6 Simple Social Media Tips for Your Dental Practice

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Marketing for your business can sometimes feel like a hassle.

As a dentist, you may be flooded with a continuous stream of appointments, and yet, you’re still responsible for the the day to day operations of your business.

It’s crucial to sustain your practice by keeping regular patients coming through the door. If you are hoping to continue practicing dentistry for many years, you’ll see the immediate importance of marketing.

However, if you are looking at selling a dental practice, a strong social media following is considered a great asset and may have a noticeable impact on your dental practice valuation.

Here are 6 simple social media tips that you can implement today to start making a difference to your dental practice:

1. Interact with your patients

Most successful dental practices are built on loyalty. It’s important to build true relationships with patients who come for regular check-ups.

You can do this with your current and potential patients on social media by asking them questions, and answering any that they may already have. Make sure your practice likes, shares, retweets, and adds comments to posts. Actively engaging in social media ensures that your patients view you as a friend, rather than just a business.

2. Use targeted (paid) ads

Paid ads are a great strategy for local dental practices. When done well they can be an affordable way to promote your business. If you don’t have much experience, it’s recommended that you hire a social media manager to help you choose an avenue and get the ball rolling.

3. Have a plan of action and limit your channels

It’s a waste of time and money to be on social media without a strategy. A budget, a posting schedule, and knowledge of targeted platforms will help you save time and resources on your social media activities.

This goes hand in hand with having a plan, but instead of jumping on board every single social media channel available, look to those utilized by your patients. Generally, Facebook is the most effective for local businesses but Instagram and Pinterest are excellent vehicles for sharing regular dental health tips too.

4. Use images

If you’re a local practice, taking photos of your team and patients is an effective way to show the faces behind your brand. Once potential customers see someone else they know in your photos, you’ll have demonstrated social proof, and they’ll be far more likely to go to you for a check-up.

You can use photos to appeal to different clients at different times of the year, such as back to school specials for parents who may need their kids to come in before school begins.

5. Showcase your personality

The tone you want to strike with your posts is up to you, but generally, it’s best that you have a balance between serious and playful.

Consider posting useful tips and videos for your patients to try at home. This helps to keep dental hygiene in mind so they remember to schedule regular visits. Remember to allow room for some light-hearted comedy in your social media plan, as this is often just as memorable as your more serious health-related content.

6. Hire a social media manager

A social media manager is a great investment. Often affordable, a social media manager knows how to bring in consistent leads so you can focus on what you know best.

Regardless of whether your looking to grow or sell a dental practice, staying on top of your social media can bring you a great return on your investment. A strong social media program keeps clients coming in the door and increases the overall value of your practice.